Guelph Police describe latest phone scam

Guelph Mercury

GUELPH — Police are warning local residents about a telephone scam that involves a fraudulent charity collecting donations.

Officers said individuals have received calls requesting money to buy teddy bears for traumatized and abused children. The caller identifies themselves a sergeant with the local police service and asks for donations through credit card transactions.

Guelph Police said this type of charity scam has been reported at various other police services within Ontario.

Officers suggest if residents are unsure about the legitimacy of the organization on the other end of the line, they should ask for information in writing, get a call-back number, ask a lot of questions, or simply hang up the phone.

Police are asking anyone wishing to report a fraud of this nature to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or by visiting antifraudcentre.ca. Victims of fraud are urged to contact the Guelph Police Service.